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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 145 records · Page 8
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1974

Time elements

Time elements are introduced for use with Sundman time transformations of the type dt = r(alpha)ds for satellite equations of motion. Two time elements are given, one providing maximum accuracy for alpha = 1, the other for alpha = 2. Time elements and time transformations reduce local truncation error and Liapunov (in track) instability, and provide analytical step size control. Numerical results show accuracy improvements of more than one order of magnitude when time elements are employed with time transformations in the numerical integration of the satellite equations, compared with using time transformations alone.

Nacozy, P. E.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Foam-machining tool with eddy-current transducer

Three-cutter machining system for foam-covered tanks incorporates eddy-current sensor. Sensor feeds signal to numerical controller which programs rotational and vertical axes of sensor travel, enabling cutterhead to profile around tank protrusions.

Copper, W. P.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Interactive cutting path analysis programs

The operation of numerically controlled machine tools is interactively simulated. Four programs were developed to graphically display the cutting paths for a Monarch lathe, Cintimatic mill, Strippit sheet metal punch, and the wiring path for a Standard wire wrap machine. These programs are run on a IMLAC PDS-ID graphic display system under the DOS-3 disk operating system. The cutting path analysis programs accept input via both paper tape and disk file.

Weiner, J. M.↗
NASA NTRS1975

The use of local basis functions in unsteady aerodynamics

This paper reports a successful demonstration of using local basis functions to solve Kussner's integral equation for unsteady airloads. Pressure basis functions are defined over relatively small subsets of the aerodynamic surface and are zero elsewhere. This formulation combines the accuracy and smoothness of distribution methods with the simplicity and versatility of panel methods. Application is made to subsonic compressible flow about oscillating planar surfaces with controls. Numerical results are presented. Convergence with respect to panel size, extensions to more general classes of solutions, and areas needing additional investigation are discussed.

Fromme, J.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Solar cell welded interconnection development program

Parallel gap welding and ultrasonic bonding techniques were developed for joining selected interconnect materials (silver, aluminum, copper, silver plated molybdenum and Kovar) to silver-titanium and aluminum contact cells. All process variables have been evaluated leading to establishment of optimum solar cell, interconnect, electrodes and equipment criteria for obtainment of consistent high quality welds. Applicability of nondestructive testing of solar cell welds has been studied. A pre-weld monitoring system is being built and will be utilized in the numerically controlled parallel gap weld station.

Katzeff, J. S.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Results of examination of the nasal mucosa

The olfactory epithelium, but not the nasal respiratory epithelium, of the four pocket mice (Perognathus longimembris) that survived their flight on Apollo XVII showed both diffuse alterations and numerous disseminated focal lesions. The olfactory mucosa of the mouse that died during flight was also affected, but to a minor degree insofar as could be determined. All this was in contrast to the normal appearance of the olfactory mucosa of the numerous control animals. A number of possible causes were considered: systemic or regional infection; inhaled particulate material (seed dust); by-products from the KO2 bed in aerosol or particulate form; gas contaminants originating in the flight package; volatile substances from the dead mouse; weightlessness; and cosmic ray particle radiation. Where feasible, studies were conducted in an effort to rule in or rule out some of these potentially causative factors. No definitive conclusions were reached as to the cause of the lesions in the flight mice.

Kraft, L. M.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Time elements

Time elements are introduced for use with Sundman time transformations for satellite equations of motion. Two time elements are presented, one providing maximum accuracy when the exponent of the governing equation equals 1, the other when the exponent equals 2. Time elements and time transformations reduce local truncation error and Liapunov (in-track) instability, and provide analytical step size control. Numerical results show accuracy improvements of more than one order of magnitude when time elements are employed with time transformations in the numerical integration of the satellite equations, compared with using time transformations alone.

Nacozy, P. E.↗
NASA NTRS1975

One-third scale model of an offset fed scanning antenna for the shuttle imaging microwave system

An experimental study is reported, involving the design, fabrication, and measurement of a one-third scale model of the 4m diameter parabolic torus reflector with a Gregorian feed for the SIMS application. Antenna pattern measurements of the model at 60 and 30 GHz are presented to verify the predictions of a geometrical optics analysis upon which the antenna design was based. It is shown that the antenna measurements bear out the geometrical optics analysis in every respect and that the Gregorian subreflector feed is usable at all frequencies above at least 10 Ghz in the full size SIMS antenna. The fabrication of the model antenna is discussed, including a computerized technique for fabricating the transcendental subreflector shape with a numerically controlled machine.

Gustincic, J. H.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Drill user's manual

Instructions are given for using the DRILL computer program which converts data contained in an Interactive Computer Graphics System (IGDS) design file to production of a paper tape for driving a numerically controlled drilling machine.

Pitts, E. A.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Topics in programmable automation

Topics explored in the development of integrated programmable automation systems include: numerically controlled and computer controlled machining; machine intelligence and the emulation of human-like capabilities; large scale semiconductor integration technology applications; and sensor technology for asynchronous local computation without burdening the executive minicomputer which controls the whole system. The role and development of training aids, and the potential application of these aids to augmented teleoperator systems are discussed.

Rosen, C. A.↗
NASA NTRS1977

A three-D circulation model study of the radiative-dynamic coupling within the stratosphere

The role of radiative transfer processes in the general circulation of the stratosphere was studied by comparing the thermal and dynamical structure of the stratosphere as simulated by two controlled numerical experiments performed with the aid of a spectral 3-dimensional quasi-geostrophic circulation model. In the first experiment, a detailed radiative transfer model is employed to treat the longwave radiative transfer in the stratosphere. In the second experiment, longwave radiative transfer is accounted for by employing the Newtonian cooling approximation. It is found that the exchange of longwave radiation between the troposphere and lower stratosphere has a net heating effect on the lower stratosphere. It is shown that this heating effect contributes partly to the maintenance of the warm high-latitude belt in the lower stratosphere during winter and spring seasons. The strong temperature dependence of the Newtonian cooling coefficient plays an important role in determining the zonal temperatures and has a significant influence on the transmissivity of stratosphere to propagating planetary scale waves.

Ramanathan, V.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Technology for future air transports

The requirements and opportunities for technological development in transport aircraft of the next generation are reviewed, focusing primarily on conventional, subsonic aircraft. Advances in computational aerodynamics and computer-aided design and manufacturing (in numerically controlled processes) are noted as well as improved wind tunnel testing and drag reduction techniques. Advances in aeroelasticity prediction have made it possible to use flexible, high-aspect-ratio wings without large weight penalties. Weight reduction may be achieved by the use of composite aircraft structures and superplastic forming combined with diffusion bonding, however composites require improvement in manufacturing techniques and mechanical properties in order to gain general acceptance. Propulsion systems can be improved in engine fuel efficiency, control, durability, environmental compatibility (exhaust and noise emissions), and fuel specifications. In avionics, due to the growth of low-cost, miniaturized packages, opportunities exist in the fields of digital controls, navigation, guidance and communication. Applications of new technologies to various aspects of flight safety are also outlined.

Klineberg, J. M.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Optimized aerodynamic design process for subsonic transport wing fitted with winglets

The aerodynamic design of a wind-tunnel model of a wing representative of that of a subsonic jet transport aircraft, fitted with winglets, was performed using two recently developed optimal wing-design computer programs. Both potential flow codes use a vortex lattice representation of the near-field of the aerodynamic surfaces for determination of the required mean camber surfaces for minimum induced drag, and both codes use far-field induced drag minimization procedures to obtain the required spanloads. One code uses a discrete vortex wake model for this far-field drag computation, while the second uses a 2-D advanced panel wake model. Wing camber shapes for the two codes are very similar, but the resulting winglet camber shapes differ widely. Design techniques and considerations for these two wind-tunnel models are detailed, including a description of the necessary modifications of the design geometry to format it for use by a numerically controlled machine for the actual model construction.

Kuhlman, J. M.↗
NASA NTRS1981

AIRCL: A programmed system for generating NC tapes for airplane models. User's manual

A computer program is presented which calculates the cutter location file needed to machine models of airplane wings or wing-fuselage combinations on numerically controlled machine tools. Input to the program is a data file consisting of coordinates on the fuselage and wing. From this data file, the program calculates tool offsets, determines the intersection between wing and fuselage tool paths, and generates additional information needed to machine the fuselage and/or wing. Output from the program can be post processed for use on a variety of milling machines. Information on program structure and methodology is given as well as the user's manual for implementation of the program.

Akgerman, N.↗
NASA NTRS1981

A controller design approach for large flexible space structures

A controller design approach for large space structures is presented, which consists of a primary attitude controller and a secondary or damping enhancement controller. The secondary controller, which uses several Annular Momentum Control Device (AMCD's), is shown to make the closed loop system asymptotically stable under relatively simple conditions. The primary controller using torque actuators (or AMCD's) and colocated attitude and rate sensors is shown to be stable. It is shown that the same AMCD's can be used for simultaneous actuation of primary and secondary controllers. Numerical results are obtained for a large, thin, completely free plate model.

Joshi, S. M.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Control of large space structures using Annual Momentum Control Devices (AMCD's)

A controller design approach for large space structures, which proposes the use of several Annular Momentum Control Devices (AMCD's) for structural damping enhancement, and either torque actuators of AMCD's for primary attitude control, was investigated. The damping enhancement controller makes the system asymptotically stable under certain relatively simple conditions. The closed-loop stability of the system with the primary attitude controller as well as the overall controller was established. It is shown that the same AMCD's can be used for the actuation of the damping enhancement controller and the primary attitude controller. Numerical results were obtained for a finite-element model of a large, thin, completely free, flat aluminum plate.

Joshi, S. M.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Design approach for a microprocessor-based GPS time transfer receiver

The design concept and characteristics of a self-contained microprocessor-based Global Positioning System time transfer receiver is described. A prototype of this unit is currently in the test phase. It employs two-bit digital baseband correlation rather than analog IF correlation of the signals with the reference code. The correlator, numerically controlled oscillators and code generator are implemented in a special-purpose digital signal processor. The time is recovered in the digital code tracking loop, and final corrections are applied in the control processor. Other features of this design are: (1) drift-free digital mechanization; (2) high reliability of digital circuits; (3) flexible control capability of the microprocessor; and (4) potential for a high degree of digital VLSI chip development leading to compact, low-cost units.

Ould, P. C.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Transformer and Meter Tester

Numerically-controlled 5-axis machine tool uses transformer and meter to determine and indicate whether tool is in home position, but lacks built-in test mode to check them. Tester makes possible test, and repair of components at machine rather then replace them when operation seems suspect.

Stoms, R. M.↗